Mounting clamp for line striper sprayer

ABSTRACT

A line stripe includes a frame, a mounting arm extending from the frame, a G-shaped clamp, a vertical bar, an extension bar, and a spray gun. The G-shaped clamp has an opening through which the mounting arm is able to extend and a fastener configured to secure the mounting arm within the opening. The opening allows the first clamp to be mounted and then secured on the mounting arm without relative sliding between the first clamp and the mounting arm. The vertical bar is attached to and extends from the clamp. The extension bar is attached to and extends from the vertical bar, and the spray gun is attachable to the extension bar. The clamp is configured to be installable upon and removable from the mounting bar without having to remove similar G-shaped clamps from the mounting bar.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/280,766 filed Jan. 20, 2016, for “Mounting Clamp for Line StriperSprayer” by Steven R. Kuczenski, the disclosure of which is incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to line striping machines, suchas those used for applying painted stripes to roadways and athleticfields, and more specifically to a clamp for fastening a spray gunassembly to a frame of the line striping machine.

Line striping machines, also referred to as line stripers, typicallycomprise carts that are pushed by a user and/or are gas or electricallypropelled. Line stripers typically include an engine for driving a pumpand/or generating electrical power. The pump is fed a liquid, such aspaint, from a reservoir on the line striper and supplies pressurizedfluid to spray nozzles on the cart to discharge liquid towards a desiredsurface.

SUMMARY

A line stripe includes a frame, a mounting arm extending from the frame,a G-shaped clamp, a vertical bar, an extension bar, and a spray gun. TheG-shaped clamp has an opening through which the mounting arm is able toextend and a fastener configured to secure the mounting arm within theopening. The opening allows the first clamp to be mounted and thensecured on the mounting arm without relative sliding between the firstclamp and the mounting arm. The vertical bar is attached to and extendsfrom the clamp. The extension bar is attached to and extends from thevertical bar, and the spray gun is attachable to the extension bar.

A clamp for use with a line striper having a frame and a mounting armthat includes a first leg, a second leg, a third leg, and an openingformed by the legs. The first leg has an inner side, a first end, and asecond end. The second leg extends away from the first leg and has aninner side that forms a corner with the inner side of the first leg, afirst end that is connected to the first end of the first leg, and asecond end distal from the first end of the second leg. A third legextends away from the second end of the first leg and has a curved innerside, a first end that is connected to the second end of the first leg,and a second end distal from the first end of the third leg. Themounting arm of the line striper is able to extend through the opening,and a fastener is extendable from the third leg towards the cornerformed by the first leg and the second leg with the fastener configuredto secure the mounting arm in place relative to the clamp.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a line striper.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of two spray gun assemblies mounted on amounting arm.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a clamp mounted on the mounting arm.

FIG. 3B is a side elevation view of the clamp mounted on the mountingarm.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a top side of the clamp.

FIG. 4B is a bottom plan view of the clamp.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a bottom side of the clamp.

FIG. 4D is a front elevation view of the clamp.

FIG. 4E is a side elevation view of the clamp.

FIG. 4F is a rear elevation view of the clamp.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A clamp for use with a line striper is disclosed. The clamp is generallyG shaped with an opening through which a mounting arm is able to extendand be secured relative to the clamp. The mounting arm is able to beremoved from the opening of the clamp such that the clamp can beseparated from the mounting arm. The clamp secures components of a spraygun assembly (such as a vertical bar, an extension bar, a spray gun, anda spray gun holder) to the mounting arm. The clamp includes a fastenerconfigured to secure the mounting arm within the opening to secure thespray gun assembly to the mounting arm and therefore to a frame of theline striper. Because the clamp has a generally G-shaped profile, theclamp and the spray gun assembly can be installed onto and removed fromthe mounting arm without having to slide the clamp on and off an end ofthe mounting arm. With the line striper usually having multiple spraygun assemblies mounted along one mounting arm, the disclosed clamp doesnot require an outer spray gun assembly to be removed from the mountingarm before installing or removing the inner spray gun assembly from themounting arm.

The clamp can be installed onto and removed from the mounting armwithout the need to slide the clamp and spray gun assembly on and offthe end of the mounting arm (or vice versa, as the clamp being installedonto and removed from the mounting arm is the same action as insertinginto and removing the mounting arm from the opening within the clamp).Further, the curved shape of an inner curved side of the clamp aids inseparating the mounting arm from the clamp because the curved inner sidecan guide the clamp off of the mounting arm (i.e., a corner of themounting arm cannot get caught in a corner of an inner curved side ofthe clamp). The clamp can include a number of other advantageousfeatures. The clamp can include a lip that extends into the opening toaid in securing the mounting arm from moving or rotating within theopening. The clamp can include a window through which the mounting armis viewable so that measurement markings on the mounting arm can beviewed and used to orient and line up the spray gun assembly relative tothe line striper and to other gun assemblies. The fastener can be ascrew that extends through a leg of the clamp with the fastener having ahandle on one end to tighten and loosen the fastener. The fastener canextend into the opening and towards the mounting arm at an angle thaturges the mounting arm into the corner on the inner sides of the clampsuch that only one fastener is needed to secure the clamp to themounting arm along all degrees of freedom. The clamp can contain otherfeatures that attach the clamp to the other components of the spray gunassembly, such as the vertical bar, including a groove and/or anaperture along with screws to attach the vertical bar to a back side ofthe clamp.

While paint will be used herein as exemplar when discussing the linestriper and spray gun assembly, it will be understood that this ismerely one example and that other solutions (e.g., water, oil, solvents,beads, flowable solids, pellets, etc.) can be applied by the linestriper and spray gun assembly instead of paint. Also, while the term“line striper” is used herein as an example, it will be understood thatthe scope of this disclosure includes dispensing fluid and/or materialon any surface in any pattern and is not limited to the painting ofstripes.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of line striper 2, which includes engine 4,frame 5, reservoir 6, manual control 8, assisted control 10 (alsoreferred to as an auto control), spray gun assemblies 12, pump 14,mounting arm 16, operator station 18, spray guns 20, and hose 21. Linestriper 2 is a machine used for applying painted stripes and otherpainted designs to roadways and athletic fields. Line striper 2 can bepropelled by an outside source, such as being pushed or pulled by ahuman operator or by a vehicle, and/or line striper 2 can beself-propelled by a gas engine, electric motor, or other drive means.Line striper 2 includes other components not specifically described inthis disclosure.

Engine 4 can be a gas-operated internal combustion engine or anothertype of engine that provides power to the components of line striper 2.Engine 4 can charge one or more batteries (not shown), provide directmechanical input to pump 14 via a system of belts, pulleys, and/or othermechanics (not shown), and/or propel line striper 2, among otherfunctions. The size and output of engine 4 can be configured to suit theneeds of line striper 2.

Frame 5 is the main structural support for the components of linestriper 2. Attached to frame 5, among other components, are wheels,engine 4, reservoir 6, pump 14, mounting arm 16, and operator station18. Frame 5 can be constructed from a variety of materials, includingmetal (such as aluminum), a metal alloy, a composite, or anothermaterial. Frame 5 can be made from one continuous and monolithic pieceor can be a number of pieces fastened together through various means,including bolts, welds, or another type of fastener.

Reservoir 6 is a tank, such as a bucket, that contains paint or anothersuspension or solution that is to be applied to a surface by linestriper 2 and spray guns 20. Reservoir 6 can be constructed from avariety of materials, including plastic, metal (such as aluminum), ametal alloy, a composite, or another material. Reservoir 6 can bedetachable to allow for the addition of paint into or removal of paintfrom reservoir 6 at a location distant from line striper 2. Further,line striper 2 can include multiple reservoirs 6 with connections toeach spray gun 20 so that different types of paint can be carried uponline striper 2 and applied by each spray gun 20.

Pump 14 pulls paint from reservoir 6 and, by action of a piston oranother type of pump mechanism, pressurizes the paint and supplies thepaint to spray guns 20 for application of the paint to the desiredsurface. Pump 14 is connected to hose 21, which conveys paint fromreservoir 6 to spray guns 20. Line striper 2 can include multiple pumps14 to pressurize and supply paint to multiple spray guns 20, or one pump14 can be configured to supply paint to multiple spray guns 20.

Operator station 18 is a station on line striper 2 where the user sitsor stands and from which the user controls the operation of line striper2, including the activation of spray guns 20. Operator station 18 caninclude handles, electronic components (such as a computer processor anddisplay screen), engine controls, speed and directional controls, andother components that allow the user to operate line striper 2. Thecomponents of operator station 18 can be attached to one another and/orframe 5 through various fasteners and can have a configuration and/ororientation that allows for line striper 2 to be user friendly, durable,and easily manufactured and maintained.

Manual control 8 can be located near a handle of operator station 18 andallows the user to manually control the application of paint by each ofthe spray guns 20. Manual control 8 can be a lever that pivots to allowthe user to turn the spray gun on and off and adjust the amount of paintbeing applied by each spray gun 20. Manual control 8 can generatetension on a cable that runs from the lever on the handle of operatorstation 18 to one or more gun assemblies 20 to remotely pull a triggeron spray gun 20 to activate spray gun 20. For multiple spray guns 20,manual control 8 can include multiple levers and multiple cables tocontrol the application of paint by each spray gun 20.

Assisted control 10 (also referred to as an auto control) can be locatednear another handle of operator station 18 and allows a controller, suchas an electronic component/computer processor, to control theapplication of paint by each of the spray guns 20. The controller caninclude preprogrammed paint spray patterns that the user can select sothat line striper 2 applies paint without the need for the user to usemanual control 8. Assisted control 10 can be a button or another inputwhich is operatively connected to the controller and/or anothercomponent (such as a solenoid) that generates tension on a cable toremotely pull a trigger on spray gun 20 to activate spray gun 20. Formultiple spray guns 20, assisted control 10 can include multiple buttonsto communicate with controller and multiple cables to control theapplication of paint by each spray gun 20.

Mounting arm 16 is a support member that is attached to and extendslaterally away from frame 5 near a front of line striper 2. Mounting arm16 provides a structural support to which multiple gun assemblies 12 canattach. In some embodiments, mounting arm 16 is extendable andretractable from frame 5 of line striper 2 to adjust the location ofmounting arm 16 relative to frame 5. Mounting arm 16 can have a varietyof shapes, configurations, and orientations, but mounting arm 16 asshown in FIG. 1 is a hollow, elongated bar that has a square crosssection. An end of mounting arm 16 can be configured to insert into acasing of frame 5 to hold mounting arm 16 in place relative to frame 5.

Gun assembly 12 holds one or more spray guns 20 and attaches spray gun20 to mounting arm 16. Line striper 2 can include multiple gunassemblies 12, and multiple gun assemblies 12 can be attached to onemounting arm 16. As will be described in greater detail with regards toFIG. 2, gun assembly 12 is adjustable to slide along mounting arm 16,move spray gun 20 up or down, and move spray gun 20 forward or rearward.Thus, gun assembly 12 is able to adjust the location of spray gun 20 inany direction. Gun assembly 12 is able to be removed from mounting arm16 to completely disconnect from line striper 2. While the disclosedembodiment shows two gun assemblies 12, line striper 2 can include oneor more than two gun assemblies 12. Gun assembly 12 includes a number ofcomponents that will be described in greater detail with regards to FIG.2.

Spray gun 20 is a component of gun assembly 12 and is located at thefront of line striper 2. Spray gun 20 is supplied paint from reservoir 6through the use of pump 14 and hose 21 and applies the paint to adesired surface. Spray gun 20 is able to be secured relative to frame 5and the other components of line striper 2 such that movement of linestriper 2 controls the movement of spray gun 20. Spray gun 20 caninclude a trigger that activates spray gun 20. The trigger is able to bepulled by manual control 8, assisted control 10, and directly by theuser. Spray gun 20 is also able to be removed from gun assembly 12 toallow a user to apply paint to a surface that is distant from linestriper 2 during generally stationary work (while still allowing spraygun 20 to be attached to hose 21 and supplied paint from reservoir 6),such as for stenciling a design or applying paint in another manner. Thedisclosed embodiment shows one spray gun 20 corresponding to one gunassembly 12, but gun assemblies 12 and spray guns 20 can be configuredsuch that two or more spray guns 20 are attachable to one gun assembly12. Each spray gun 20 can be operated independently from one another.Further, line striper 2 can include multiple hoses 21 to convey paint tomultiple spray guns 20. As mentioned above, gun assembly 12 isadjustable to adjust the location of spray gun 20 relative to frame 5and mounting arm 16.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of two gun assemblies 12 mounted onmounting arm 16. FIG. 2 shows mounting arm 16 (with measurement markingsM) connected to frame 5. FIG. 2 also shows two gun assemblies 12 thateach includes spray gun 20, gun holder 22, clamp 24, vertical bar 26,extension bar 28, and connector 30. Clamp 24 includes fastener 32 withhandle 34.

Mounting arm 16 is attached to frame 5 and fits into a hollow casing offrame 5 that secure mounting arm 16 from movement relative to frame 5 ofline striper 2. Mounting arm 16 has a square cross-sectional shape andis hollow, but other designs of mounting arm 16 can have another shape,configuration, and orientation. Along a top of mounting arm 16 aremeasurement markings M, which indicate distance along mounting arm 16 toaid in placing gun assemblies 12 along mounting arm 16 relative to othergun assemblies 12 and to frame 5. Measurement markings M can show anyunits of measurement, including SI units (centimeters) and English units(inches), and measurement markings M can be imprinted or etched ontomounting arm 16 or can be painted or otherwise applied using anothermaterial different in substance and/or color than that of mounting arm16.

Clamp 24 attaches gun assembly 12 to mounting arm 16. As shown in FIG.2, multiple clamps 24 can be attached to mounting arm 16. As will bedescribed in greater detail with regards to FIGS. 3A-B and 4A-4F, clamp24 has a generally G-shaped profile with an opening through whichmounting arm 16 can extend. The G-shaped profile of clamp 24 allowsclamp 24 and gun assembly 12 to be installed upon and removed frommounting arm 16 without having to slide clamp 24 and gun assembly 12 onor off of an end of mounting arm 16 (and without having to remove othergun assemblies 12 from mounting arm 16). In FIG. 2, the opening of clamp24 faces rearward such that clamp 24 would move forward to be removedfrom mounting arm 16. However, other configurations of clamp 24 caninclude clamp 24 with an opening that faces forward. Clamp 24 includesfastener 32 with handle 34 that is able to tighten to secure mountingarm 16 to clamp 24 and able to loosen to allow clamp 24 and gun assembly12 to slide along mounting arm 16 and/or be removed from mounting arm16. As shown in FIG. 2, fastener 32 extends into the opening of clamp 24at an angle upward and forward to contact mounting arm 16 to keepmounting arm 16 adjacent to two inner sides of clamp 24, therebylimiting all degrees of freedom of clamp 24 relative to mounting arm 16.Fastener 32 can have other configurations and orientations, such as afastener that includes a spring loaded mechanism that snaps into placeto secure clamp 24 adjacent to mounting arm 16 or a fastener thatextends into the opening at a different angle relative to clamp 24.

Vertical bar 26 is a shaft that is attached to clamp 24 at one end andextends upward/vertical relative to mounting arm 16. The disclosedembodiment shows vertical bar 26 extending generally vertical, butvertical bar 26 can extend away from clamp 24 and mounting bar 16 atanother angle. Vertical bar 26 can be constructed from a variety ofmaterials, such as plastic, metal (such as aluminum), a metal alloy, acomposite, or another material. While vertical bar 26 is shown to be astraight shaft having a circular cross-sectional shape, vertical bar 26can be curved or wavy and can have a variety of cross-sectional shapes.However, vertical bar 26 should be configured to allow connector 30(which connects extension bar 28 to vertical bar 26) to slide alongvertical bar 26. Vertical bar 26 can also include a stopper at anotherend (the end distant from the end that is attached to clamp 24) toprevent connector 30 from sliding off of vertical bar 26.

Extension bar 28 is a shaft that is attached to vertical bar 26 byconnector 30 and extends forward towards a front of gun assembly 12. Thedisclosed embodiment shows extension bar 28 extending generallyhorizontal relative to mounting bar 16 and vertical bar 26, butextension bar 28 can extend at another angle, such as an angle that ispartially upwards or downwards. Extension bar 28 can be constructed froma variety of materials, such as plastic, metal (such as aluminum), ametal alloy, a composite, or another material. While extension bar 28 isshown to be a straight shaft having a circular cross-sectional shape(similar to vertical bar 26), extension bar 28 can be curved or wavy andcan have a variety of cross-sectional shapes. However, extension bar 28should be configured so as to not interfere with hoses 21 and the cablesof manual control 8 and assisted control 10, and extension bar 28 shouldbe configured to allow connector 30 to slide along extension bar 28.

Connector 30 connects vertical bar 26 to extension bar 28 and allowsadjustment of extension bar 28 relative to mounting arm 16 and clamp 24.Connector 30 includes one vertical orifice with a corresponding fastenerand handle through which vertical bar 26 can extend, slide within, andbe secured so as to be prevented from movement relative to clamp 24.This functionality of connector 30 and vertical bar 26 allows thevertical adjustment of spray gun 20 relative to mounting arm 16. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 2, extension bar 28 can be higher or lower onvertical bar 26 so that spray guns 20 at the ends of corresponding gunassemblies 12 can be at different heights above the surface to bepainted (i.e., spray gun 20 in the foreground is lower than spray gun 20in the background). Connector 30 also includes a horizontal orifice witha corresponding fastener and handle through which extension bar 28 canextend, slide within, and be secured so as to be prevented from movementrelative to vertical bar 26. This functionality of connector 30 andextension bar 28 allows the forward-rearward adjustment of spray gun 20relative to mounting arm 16. For example, so shown in FIG. 2, extensionbar 28 can be forward or rearward on vertical bar 26 so that spray guns20 at the ends of corresponding gun assemblies 12 can be at differentforward-rearward locations relative to mounting arm 16 (i.e., spray gun20 in the foreground is rearward of spray gun 20 in the background).Thus, connector 30 allows for the up-down (i.e., vertical) andforward-rearward adjustment of spray gun 20 while also tightening tosecure vertical bar 26 and extension bar 28 in place relative to clamp24.

Gun holder 22 is attached to extension bar 28 and is configured to allowspray gun 20 to attach to and detach from gun assembly 12. Gun holder 22can be attached to extension bar 28 by a variety of means, includingwelding, bolts, screws, or other fasteners. Gun holder 22 can include arail into which a portion of spray gun 20 slides, or gun holder 22 caninclude another type of fastener that allows attachment and detachmentof spray gun 20. Spray gun 20 can be secured in gun holder 22 forspraying while line striper 2 is in motion (e.g., spraying stripes) butis removable for generally stationary work (e.g., stenciling). While thedisclosed embodiment shows gun assembly 12 having gun holder 22, otherembodiments can include a configuration in which gun holder 22 is notpresent and spray gun 20 is attachable directly to extension bar 28.

Spray gun 20 is located at the forward end of gun assembly 12 andapplies paint to a desired surface. Spray gun 20 is attachable to gunholder 22 such that spray gun 20 can be activated by manual control 8and assisted control 10 remotely from spray gun 20 (through a trigger onspray gun 20 or other means) to control the application of paint. Thecontrol of spray gun 20 can be from a distance, such as from operationstation 18 of line striper 2. Moreover, spray gun 20 is detachable fromgun holder 22 and gun assembly 12 such that spray gun 20 can be used toapply paint distant from line striper 2 (through the manipulation of thetrigger on spray gun 20 by a user). The detachment of spray gun 20 toapply paint distant from line striper 2 may be useful when stenciling adesign or applying paint in another, non-striping manner.

With mounting arm 16 able to be adjusted relative to frame 5, clamp 24able to slide gun assembly 12 laterally along mounting arm 16, connector30 able to extension bar 28 vertically along vertical bar 26, andconnector 30 able to slide vertical bar 26 forward-rearward alongextension bar 28, spray gun 20 is adjustable in every direction relativeto frame 5 of line striper 2. This adjustment capability allows a widerange of positions multiple spray guns 20 can be placed relative to oneanother to provide a large variety of patterns of line striping by linestriper 2. Further, clamp 24 allows for each gun assembly 12 to beremoved from mounting arm 16 independently and without having to removeother gun assemblies 12. The configuration and orientation of clamp 24is described in greater detail with regards to FIGS. 3A-3B.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of clamp 24 mounted on mounting arm 16,and FIG. 3B is a side elevation view of clamp 24 mounted on mounting arm16. FIGS. 3A and 3B show mounting arm 16, vertical bar 26, and extensionbar 28. Mounting bar 16 includes measurement markings M and corner 52.Vertical bar 26 includes screws 36. Clamp 24 includes fastener 32 withhandle 34, first leg 40, second leg 42, third leg 46, corner 38 formedby first leg 40 and second leg 42, opening 44, lip 48, window 50, andhole 54.

Clamp 24 attaches vertical bar 26 to mounting arm 16. Clamp 24 has agenerally G-shaped profile with opening 44 through which mounting arm 16can extend and be secured relative to clamp 24 by fastener 32. Whileclamp 24 is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B as having opening 44 facingrearward (i.e., mounting arm 16 can be removed from clamp 24 by movingrearward relative to clamp 24), clamp 24 and the other components of gunassembly 12 can be configured such that opening 44 faces forward. TheG-shaped profile of clamp 24 is formed by first let 40, second leg 42,and third leg 46. First leg 40, second leg 42, and third leg 46 can haveany thickness, width, and height/length depending on the strength andrigidity needs, the type of material used to construct clamp 24, and thedimensions of mounting arm 16. However, first leg 40, second leg 42, andthird leg 46 should have dimensions that are able to accommodatemounting arm 16 within opening 44 so that mounting arm 16 is able toenter and exit opening 44 without the need for clamp 24 to slide ontoand off of an end of mounting arm 16. First leg 40, second leg 42, andthird leg 46 can each have a constant or varied thickness or width, andthe thickness and width of each leg can be the same or different than athickness and width of the other legs. First leg 40, second leg 42,third leg 46, and lip 48 can be constructed from the same or differentmaterials, can be one continuous and monolithic piece, and/or can beindividual pieces welded or otherwise fastened together.

First leg 40 is a vertical component that is adjacent to and connectedto vertical bar 26. First leg 40 has an inner side that is adjacent toand in contact with mounting arm 16 when clamp 24 is secured to mountingarm 16. First leg 42 has an outer side that is adjacent to and attachedto vertical bar 26. First leg 40 can have one or multiple apertures(shown in FIGS. 4A-4F) with threads that interface with screws 36 ofvertical bar 26 to attached vertical bar 26 to first leg 40. Further,first leg 40 can also have one or more grooves on the outer side (shownin FIGS. 4A-4F) to engage vertical bar 26 to help prevent vertical bar26 from rotating relative to clamp 24. A first end of first leg 40,which is at an upper end of first leg 40, can be rounded, beveled, orchamfered on the outer side, can form a square outer corner with secondleg 42, or can have another configuration. A second end of first leg 40,which is at a lower end of first leg 40 and is distal from the firstend, can also be rounded, beveled, or chamfered on the outer side orhave another configuration.

Second leg 42 is a laterally extending component that is attached to andextends outward from the first end of first leg 40. Second leg 42 has aninner side that is adjacent to and in contact with mounting arm 16 whenclamp 24 is secured to mounting arm 16. Second leg 42 includes a firstend that is connected to first leg 40 and, along with the first end offirst leg 40, creates corner 38. When secured to mounting arm 16, corner38 of clamp 24 is adjacent to and in contact with mounting arm 16. Otherconfigurations of mounting arm 16 and clamp 24 can include a corner 38of clamp 24 and an adjacent corner of mounting arm 16 having anothershape, such as rounded or stair stepped, that interlock with oneanother. Second leg 42 has a second end distal from the first end ofsecond leg 42 and from which lip 48 extends. The second end of secondleg 42 can be rounded, can be chamfered, can terminate at a point, canhave a square end, or can have another configuration. While second leg42 can have any length (i.e., length in a rearward direction extendingoutward from first leg 40), the length of second leg 42 should begreater than a width of mounting arm 16 to accommodate mounting arm 16within opening 44. Second leg 42 is shown in the disclosed embodiment asbeing perpendicular to first leg 40, but other embodiments of clamp 24can have a second leg 42 that has different shapes and configurationssuch that opening 44 is sized and shaped differently. It will beunderstood that other shapes and configurations of opening 44 (as formedby first leg 40, second leg 42, and third leg 46) is not limited to thatshown, and modification and different configurations are within thescope of this disclosure.

Lip 48 is a downward extending member that is attached to and extendsfrom the second end of second leg 42. Lip 48 extends downward intoopening 44 and has an inner side (i.e., the side that faces the innerside of first leg 40) that can be in contact with mounting arm 16 whenmounting arm 16 is secured within opening 44. Lip 48 aids fastener 32 insecuring mounting arm 16 within opening 44 by helping prevent clamp 24from moving forward when mounting arm 16 is in contact with the innerside of second leg 42. Lip 48 can be sized such that first leg 40,second leg 42, and lip 48 on second leg 42 allow clamp 24 to be mountedon mounting arm 16 by hanging clamp 24 on mounting arm 16 without theneed for fastener 32 to extend and engage/contact mounting arm 16. Lip48 can extend into opening 44 any distance, but should not extend intoopening 44 so much that removal of clamp 24 forward from mounting arm 16is difficult or impossible. Lip 48 can have a rounded, beveled, orchamfered outer profile or another configuration, such as a square outerprofile. Further, a distance between the inner side of lip 48 and theinner side of first leg 40 can be approximately equal to or a smallamount larger than the width of mounting arm 16 to aid in the preventionof rotation of mounting arm 16 within opening 44 of clamp 24. Otherembodiments of clamp 24 can include a configuration that does not havelip 48.

Window 50 is an aperture that extends vertically through second leg 42to allow a user of line striper 2 to view measurement markings M onmounting arm 16. As described above, measurement markings M indicatedistance along mounting arm 16 and aid in the placement of gunassemblies 12 along mounting arm 16 relative to other gun assemblies 12and to mounting arm 16. Window 50 is configured to allow a user to viewmeasurement markings M to accurately assess the position of clamp 24 onmounting arm 16. Window 50 can be laterally aligned with vertical bar26, which is attached to first leg 40, to allow a user to match upvertical bar 26 (and the other components of gun assembly 12) with aparticular measurement marking 32. Window 50 can have any length, width,and shape that allow measurement markings M to be viewable throughwindow 50. However, window 50 should not be so large as to compromisethe structural integrity of second leg 42.

Third leg 46, also referred to as a curved leg, is a curved componentthat is attached to and extends laterally outward from the second end offirst leg 40. Third leg 46 includes a first end that is connected to thesecond end of first leg 40 and a second end distal from the first end ofthird leg 46 that includes hole 54 to accommodate fastener 32. The firstend of third leg 46 can be rounded, beveled, or chamfered along with thesecond end of first leg 40 or can have another configuration, such asforming a square outer corner with first leg 40. The second end of thirdleg 46 can be rounded or have another configuration. While third leg 46can have any length (i.e., length in a rearward direction), the lengthof third leg 42 should be greater than a width of mounting arm 16 toaccommodate mounting arm 16 within opening 44 and allow the distal endof fastener 32 to extend into opening 44.

Third leg 46 has a curved inner side that is generally not in contactwith mounting arm 16 when clamp 24 is secured to mounting arm 16 but maycome into contact with mounting arm 16 when clamp 24 is being removedfrom mounting arm 16. The curved configuration of the inner side ofthird leg 46 can be advantageous for preventing mounting arm 16 frombeing caught between corners and/or edge of clamp 24 during removal.Specifically, clamp 24 will slide relative to mounting arm 16 (i.e.,mounting arm 16 will slide into our out of opening 44) when mounting arm16 engages/contacts the curved inner side of third leg 46 whereas clamp24 may not slide if mounting arm 16 were to instead run into a straightsurface or the junction of two straight surfaces at a corner. The curvedinner side of third leg 46 can guide clamp 24 off of mounting arm 16when mounting arm 16 comes into contact with the curved inner side ofthird leg 46. An outer side of third leg 46 can by curved to correspondto the curved inner side of third leg 46 so that third leg 46 has aconstant thickness, or the outer side of third leg 46 can be squared offsuch that a thickness of third leg 46 is greater near the first end andthe second end than a thickness of third leg 46 near a middle. As shownin FIG. 3B, third leg 46 can extend a distance from first leg 40 that isgreater than a distance that second leg 42 extends from first leg 40. Inother embodiments, third leg 46 can extend a distance from first leg 40that is equal to or less than a distance that second leg 42 extends fromfirst leg 40.

Hole 54 extends through the second end of third leg 46 to accommodatefastener 32. Hole 54 is shown to extend at an approximately forty-fivedegree angle to allow fastener 32 to extend towards and contact bottomcorner 52 of mounting arm 16 to secure clamp 24 relative to mounting arm16. However, hole 54 can extend substantially vertical, substantiallyhorizontal, or at another angle to allow fastener 32 to extend intoopening 44 to contact mounting arm 16. Hole 54 can have any size andshape to accommodate fastener 32, and hole 54 can be a plurality ofholes to accommodate multiple fasteners 30.

Fastener 32 can be a screw, a spring loaded element mounted on clamp 24that can be retracted by hand, or another type of fastener that isextendable inward through hole 54 into opening 44 to contact mountingarm 16 and can be retracted or loosened to allow clamp 24 to moveindependent from mounting arm 16. Fastener 32 in the disclosedembodiment has a threaded portion for interfacing with a threaded hole54 in third leg 46. Fastener 32 as shown screws through hole 54 to pressagainst corner 52 of mounting arm 16 to fix the position of clamp 24relative to mounting arm 16. While fastener 32 is a screw with threadedhole 54 in the disclosed embodiment, it will be understood that anyother fastener can be used to secure clamp 24 to mounting arm 16.Fastener 32 can be tightened to secure clamp 24 to mounting arm 16 byensuring the inner sides of first leg 40 and second leg 42 are incontact with two sides of mounting arm 16. Fastener 32 pushes on corner52 of mounting arm 16 such that mounting arm 16 is adjacent to first leg40 and second leg 42 of clamp 24. Fastener 32 can be configured tocontact and push on corner 52 of mounting arm 16 to push mounting arm 16vertical and forward relative to clamp 24, thereby limiting all degreesof freedom of clamp 24 and mounting arm 16 relative to one another.Because fastener 32 pushes on corner 52 of mounting arm 16, only onefastener is needed to brace clamp 24 from movement in any directionrelative to mounting arm 16.

Fastener 32 can extend into opening 44 at any angle, including avertical angle, a horizontal angle, or an angle that is approximatelyforty-five degrees (as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B). Fastener 32 can beloosened (i.e., retracted at least partially out of opening 44) so thatclamp 24 can disengage from mounting arm 16 (or engage without tension)to allow clamp 24 to slide along mounting arm 16 while clamp 24 is stillmounted on mounting arm 16 and/or to allow mounting arm 16 to be removedfrom opening 44 through a gap between the second end of second leg 42and the second end of third leg 46. Fastener 32 can also include handle34, which is attached to an outer end of fastener 32. Handle 34 allows auser to manipulate fastener 32, such as tightening and looseningfastener 32 to extend fastener 32 into opening 44 or retract fastener 32at least partially out of opening 44.

Screws 36 extend through vertical bar 26 and into correspondingapertures on first leg 40 of clamp 24 to secure vertical bar 26 to clamp24. Screws 36 extend into apertures on first leg 40, but screws 36should not extend completely through first leg 40 so as to stick outinto opening 44 to interfere with securing clamp 24 to mounting arm 16.Screws 36 can be any fastener to secure vertical bar 26 to clamp 24,including welds, glue, a mechanical interaction, or another fastener orconfiguration. While the disclosed embodiment shows three screws 36,other configurations can include one, two, or more than three screws.

With clamp 24 having a generally G-shaped profile and opening 44 formedby first leg 40, second leg 42, and third leg 46 having a greater heightand width than mounting arm 16, clamp 24 and gun assembly 12 are able tobe placed on and entirely removed from mounting arm 16 without having toslide clamp 24 off of an end of mounting arm 16 (and without having toremove other gun assemblies 12 installed on mounting arm 16). The curvedinner side of third leg 46 guides clamp 24 when removing clamp 24 frommounting arm 16. Third leg 46 also accommodates fastener 32, whichsecures mounting arm 16 within opening 44 and prevents clamp 24 frommoving relative to mounting arm 16. Fastener 32 and the configuration ofclamp 24 limit all degrees of freedom of mounting arm 16, preventingclamp 24 and mounting arm 16 from movement and rotation relative to oneanother. Clamp 24 can also include lip 26 on second leg 42 to extenddownwards into opening 44 to help prevent clamp 24 from moving forwardand rotating relative to mounting arm 16 when clamp 24 is secured tomounting arm 16. These advantages and others can be seen through theshape and configuration of clamp 24 in FIGS. 4A-4F.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a top side of clamp 24, FIG. 4B is abottom plan view of clamp 24, FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a bottomside of clamp 24, FIG. 4D is a front elevation view of clamp 24, FIG. 4Eis a side elevation view of clamp 24, and FIG. 4F is a rear elevationview of clamp 24. FIGS. 4A-4F will be discussed together. Clamp 24,which is shown without fastener 32, includes first leg 40 with groove 58and apertures 60, second leg 42 with lip 48 and window 50, third leg 46with hole 54, and opening 44 formed by first leg 40, second leg 42, andthird leg 46. Clamp 24 as disclosed is but one embodiment and variousalternative configurations can be embodied while utilizing one or moreof the features referenced and/or shown herein.

First leg 40 includes groove 58 on the outer side and apertures 60 thatextend through first leg 40. Groove 58 can extend along the totalheight/length of first leg 40 to accommodate vertical bar 26. Groove 58is shaped to mirror the shape of vertical bar 26 (in this case, groove58 has a curved cross-sectional shape to match the rounded outer surfaceof vertical bar 26). Groove 58 aids in the attachment of clamp 24 tovertical bar 26 by supporting vertical bar 26 laterally to preventrotation of vertical bar 26 relative to clamp 24. While groove 58 isshown to have a constant cross-sectional shape, groove 58 can have avarying depth and shape to mirror the configuration of vertical bar 26.Apertures 60 extend from groove 58, through first leg 40, and to theinner side of first leg 40 to accommodate screws 36 to connect verticalbar 26 to clamp 24. The number of apertures 60 can correspond to thenumber of screws 36 used to fasten vertical bar 26 to clamp 24. Whilethe disclosed embodiment utilizes screws 36 and apertures 60 to connectvertical bar 26 to clamp 24, other fasteners having other configurationsmay be used, such as welding, brazing, gluing, forging, casting, orotherwise fastening the two components together. Additionally, whilethree screws 36 and three apertures 60 are utilized, one, two, or morethan three screws 36 and apertures 60 can be used to fasten clamp 24 andvertical bar 26 together.

As shown in FIG. 4E, the first end of third leg 46 has a greaterthickness than the second end of third leg 46. Depending on the materialused to construct clamp 24, the weight of gun assembly 12, and otherfactors, this increase in thickness may be necessary to accommodateadditionally stresses on third leg 46.

Clamp 24 for use with line striper 2 is generally G shaped with opening44 through which mounting arm 16 is able to extend and be securedrelative to clamp 24. Mounting arm 16 is able to be removed from opening44 of clamp 24 such that clamp 24 can be separated from mounting arm 16.Clamp 24 secures components of spray gun assembly 12 (such as verticalbar 26, extension bar 28, spray gun 20, and spray gun holder 22) tomounting arm 16. Clamp 24 includes fastener 32 configured to securemounting arm 16 within opening 44 to secure spray gun assembly 12 tomounting arm 16 and therefore to frame 5 of line striper 2. Becauseclamp 24 is generally G shaped, clamp 24 and spray gun assembly 12 canbe installed upon and removed from mounting arm 16 without having toslide clamp 24 on and off an end of mounting arm 16. With line striper 2usually having multiple spray gun assemblies 12 mounted along onemounting arm 16, a configuration that does not utilize the disclosedclamp 24 would result in an outer spray gun assembly 12 having to beremoved from mounting arm 16 before installing or removing an innerspray gun assembly 12 from mounting arm 16 because the fastener holdingeach spray gun assembly 12 on mounting arm 16 is only able to slide ontoand off of mounting arm 16.

Clamp 24 can be installed onto and removed from mounting arm 16 withoutthe need to slide clamp 24 and spray gun assembly 12 on and off the endof mounting arm 16. Further, the curved shape of the inner side of thirdleg 46 of clamp 24 aids in separating of clamp 24 from mounting arm 16because the curved inner side of third leg 46 can guide clamp 24 off ofmounting arm 16 without mounting arm 16 getting caught on a corner ofclamp 24. The clamp can include a number of other advantageous features.Clamp 24 can include lip 48 that extends into opening 44 to aid insecuring mounting arm 16 from movement or rotation relative to clamp 24.Clamp 24 can include window 50 in second leg 42 through whichmeasurement markings M on mounting arm 16 are viewable to allow a userto orient and line up spray gun assembly 12 and spray gun 20 relative toline striper 2 and to other spray gun assemblies 12. Fastener 32 can bea screw that extends through third leg 46 of clamp 24 with fastener 32having handle 34 on one end to tighten and loosen fastener 32. Fastener32 can extend into opening 44 and towards mounting arm 16 at an anglethat urges mounting arm 16 into corner 38 between the inner sides offirst leg 40 and second leg 42 of clamp 24 such that only one fastener32 is needed to secure mounting arm 16 within opening 44 along alldegrees of freedom. Clamp 24 can contain other features that attachclamp 24 to the other components of spray gun assembly 12, includinggroove 58 and/or apertures 60 along with screws 36 to attach verticalbar 26 to the back side of first leg 40 of clamp 24.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplaryembodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that theinvention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of theappended claims. As one example, an embodiment relying on an electricalmotor is described, but the features discussed herein could also be usedwith a gas motor and/or hydraulic drive.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A line striper comprising: a frame; amounting arm extending from the frame; a first clamp that is G shapedwith an opening through which the mounting arm is able to extend and afastener configured to secure the mounting arm within the opening,wherein the opening allows the first clamp to be mounted and thensecured on the mounting arm without relative sliding between the firstclamp and the mounting arm; a first vertical bar attached to andextending from the first clamp; a first extension bar attached to andextending from the first vertical bar; and a first spray gun attachableto the first extension bar.
 2. The line striper of claim 1, furthercomprising: a second clamp that is G shaped with an opening throughwhich the mounting arm is able to extend and a fastener configured tosecure the mounting arm within the opening in the second clamp, whereinthe opening in the second clamp allows the second clamp to be mountedand then secured on the mounting arm without relative sliding betweenthe second clamp and the mounting arm; a second vertical bar attached toand extending from the second clamp; a second extension bar attached toand extending from the second vertical bar; and a second spray gunattachable to the second extension bar, wherein the second clamp isinstallable and removable from the mounting bar without having to removethe first clamp from the mounting arm and the first clamp is installableand removable from the mounting bar without having to remove the secondclamp.
 3. The line striper of claim 1, wherein the second leg isperpendicular to the first leg of the first clamp.
 4. The line striperof claim 1, further comprising: a gun holder that is configured toattach the first spray gun to the first extension bar.
 5. The linestriping of claim 1, wherein the first spray gun is detachable from thefirst extension bar to allow movement of the first spray gun distantfrom the first extension bar.
 6. The line striper of claim 1, furthercomprising: a connector that attaches the first extension bar to thefirst vertical bar, the connector able to tighten and loosen to adjustthe position of the first extension bar relative to the first verticalbar.
 7. The line striper of claim 1, wherein the mounting arm includesmeasurement markings and the first clamp includes a window in a top sideof the clamp that allows at least one of the measurement markings to beviewed through the top side of the clamp while the first clamp ismounted.
 8. The line striper of claim 1, wherein the first clampincludes at least one threaded aperture and the first vertical bar isattached to the first clamp by at least one screw extending through theat least one threaded aperture.
 9. The line striper of claim 1, whereinthe fastener of the first clamp is a screw and the first clamp includesa hole through which the screw extends.
 10. The line striper of claim 1,wherein the first clamp includes a groove on an outer side that isengageable with the first vertical bar.
 11. The line striper of claim 1,wherein the first clamp further comprises: a first leg having an innerside, a first end, and a second end; a second leg extending away fromthe first leg and having an inner side that forms a corner with theinner side of the first leg, a first end that is connected to the firstend of the first leg, and a second end distal from the first end of thesecond leg; and a third leg extending away from the second end of thefirst leg, a first end that is connected to the second end of the firstleg, and a second end distal from the first end of the third leg,wherein the first leg, second leg, and third leg together are G shapedand form the opening of the first clamp.
 12. The line striper of claim11, wherein the third leg has a curved inner side configured to guidethe first clamp onto and off of the mounting arm.
 13. The line striperof claim 11, wherein the fastener on the first clamp includes only onefastener and further comprises: a threaded interface with the firstclamp configured to extend towards the corner of the first clamp whenthe fastener is screwed to engage a corner of the mounting arm withinthe opening, wherein the clamp is secured to the mounting arm by thefastener pressing the mounting arm into the corner of the first clamp.14. The line striper of claim 11, wherein the first clamp furthercomprises: a lip extending into the opening from the second end of thesecond leg of the first clamp.
 15. The line striper of claim 14, whereinthe first leg, the second leg, and the lip on the second leg allow thefirst clamp to be mounted on the mounting arm by hanging the first clampon the mounting arm without the fastener being engaged with the mountingarm.
 16. The line striper of claim 11, wherein a distance between thesecond end of the second leg of the first clamp and the second end ofthe third kg of the first clamp is greater than a height of the mountingarm.
 17. A clamp for use with a line striper having a frame and amounting arm, the mounting arm having a first corner and a second corneropposite the first corner, the clamp comprising: a first leg having aninner side, a first end, and a second end; a second leg extending awayfrom the first leg and having an inner side that forms a corner with theinner side of the first leg, a first end that is connected to the firstend of the first leg, and a second end distal from the first end of thesecond leg; a third leg extending away from the second end of the firstleg and having a curved inner side, a first end that is connected to thesecond end of the first leg, and a second end distal from the first endof the third leg; an opening formed by the first leg, second leg, andthird leg through which the mounting arm is able to extend; and afastener extendable from the third leg towards the corner, the fastenerconfigured to extend into the opening to engage the first corner of themounting arm to bias the second corner of the mounting arm into thecorner formed by the intersection of the first and second legs to securethe mounting arm in place relative to the first leg and the second leg.18. The clamp of claim 17, wherein the second leg of the clamp extendsaway from the first leg at an angle that is perpendicular to the firstleg.
 19. The clamp of claim 17, wherein the fastener is extendable intothe opening at an angle that is approximately forty-five degreesmeasured from the second leg of the clamp.
 20. The clamp of claim 17,further comprising: a lip extending into the opening from the second endof the second leg of the clamp, wherein a distance from the lip to aninner side of the first leg is approximately equal to a width of themounting arm.